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Empty reels on solar EPC projects
A utility-scale solar project empties reels block by block. You can predict the volume from the packing lists before the first delivery, so plan for it the way you plan cable laydown.
Predictable volume
Every cable line on a PO or packing list gives a length per reel and a total. Divide, and group by reel size. That is your reel count. See reel volumes on solar projects.
Mixed builds
PV wire comes on small spools, often plywood. Collection and feeder cable comes on larger nailed reels with reuse value. Heavy conductor may come on steel reels with a charge.
Credits on long schedules
Southwire credits steel reels returned within 12 months, and allows a deferral to be negotiated at quotation for large projects. Put it in the cable contract.
Remote access
Programs and buyers send a 53 ft van or a flatbed. Spell out the site route, gate hours and turnaround in the request, and schedule pickups by count, not by calendar.
Programs that usually apply
| Program | Reels accepted | Minimum | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwire | Southwire reels. Steel reels carry a reel charge that is credited when the reel is returned within 12 months. Southwire's CableTech chart lists its wooden reels as non-returnable with no deposit. | Not stated. | Credit on return |
| Service Wire | Service Wire labelled reels only, compartmental reels included. Other manufacturers' reels are not eligible. | Full truckload of Service Wire reels. | Free |
| Sonoco EcoReel | Used wooden and polyfiber reels and spools that are viable for reuse. The page does not limit it to one cable brand. | Truckloads, from a single load to an ongoing supply. | Free |
Read next: Reel volumes on solar projects.
Questions
When should we schedule reel pickups on a solar job?
When a trailer's worth of one size is staged, not on a fixed date. Clear everything before demobilisation.
Can PV wire spools be returned?
Small plywood spools rarely qualify for manufacturer programs, which mostly want 30 in and larger nailed reels. Sound ones can be reused in volume.
Clear the rest in one pickup
Brands short of a minimum, unlabelled reels and reels that fail inspection.